Ricky Langlands, aged 17, and Libby Jones, 16, joined the Liverpool-based business after beating more than 100 applications for the two places in a recruitment process involving practical assessments, group exercises and a series of interviews.

The apprentices will train as electrical shift or mechanical shift engineers, with each trainee assigned a mentor to support them throughout the duration of their training.

The programme is run in partnership with the manufacturing organisation EEF and the programme includes a Level 3 NVQ extended diploma in engineering maintenance.

Langlands and Jones will then move on to a higher national certificate (HNC) in either electrical or mechanical engineering.

Human resource director Vicci Tatton said: “Prinovis have worked with the EEF since 2010 on a number of training and development initiatives."

She welcomed the government's apprenticeships levy, announced in this summer's budget, which is intended to tempt larger firms in particular to run more apprenticeships and increase their contribution to training.

“However, this did not influence the decision on our new programme,” she said. “It was driven by our own business needs and the need to look at how we plan for tomorrow.

“The levy is good, but businesses must look at their own circumstances and what is right for them, with or without the levy. But times are tough and there must be a business case for apprentices.”

Managing director Richard Gray said: “Throughout the recruitment process we have seen genuine enthusiasm for print from a generation of so 'called digital natives', who we are led to believe are not engaged by print. Not only is this good news for Prinovis, but also for the future of our industry.”

One of Europe’s largest gravure companies, Prinovis specialises in customised communications packages related to its core business of printing.

The company provides finishing and creative services and operates in Ahrensburg, Dresden and Nuremberg, in addition to the UK site in Liverpool. The company employs about 2,300 people.

A Department of Business, Innovation and Skills consultation on the apprenticeship levy scheme closed on 2 October. The department is due to publish the results shortly.